What Is It?

A photo posted by Lackluster (@lacklusteronline) on Jul 27, 2016 at 10:31am PDT

The BRAT diet is an actual thing. Made up of four foods, BRAT stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Back in the day, it was what pediatricians would recommendations for children with an upset stomach. It worked because it gave the stomach a chance to rest and recover from whatever virus or infection it was suffering from.

When your gut gets a break, your intestines do, too. The BRAT diet isn't just for kids, though. If you're suffering from an upset stomach, the BRAT diet could be the quick fix you're looking for.

Why It Works

There is a reason there are just four foods in BRAT. Bananas, rice, applesauce and toast are very easy foods to digest. Plus, they are low in fiber so they assist your body in firming loose stools. Bananas are high in potassium and you need that when you are losing nutrients from recurring diarrhea or vomiting.

The diet will also help to ease you into eating regularly after being sick. Sure BRAT foods might be a little bland, but you won't irritate your sensitive stomach and that is an important part of recovery. They are also low in protein and fat so your gastrointestinal tract won't go into overdrive during mealtime.

One important thing to remember is to drink lots of water both during the BRAT diet and after. Dehydration is a common side effect of stomach viruses and replenishing the fluids you lost will help you feel better faster.